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D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the LA Clippers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena.
The Athletic’s John Hollingera former NBA front office executive, expressed concern that D’Angelo RussellThe resurgence of the situation could put a damper on the situation. the Los Angeles Lakers‘ plan to aim for a third star this summer.
“Originally considered the Lakers’ most tradeable 2024 offseason contract, Russell has been so good of late that the storyline has flipped – from concerns at the trade deadline that no other team would want his deal at a new concern that he could opt out of his $18.6 million contract for next season and walk as an unrestricted free agent,” Hollinger wrote on March 11.
Russell has a $18.6 million player option for next season. But his recent play suggests he surpasses that.
And if he leaves, the Lakers will lose some of their salary in a potential star trade that Rob Pelinka openly suggested after meeting the trade deadline.
“The right choice was not there, and it is sometimes a thoughtful and delicate calculation. …We didn’t want to pull a small bullet now that would only lead to a very marginal improvement at the expense of a much larger and potentially more impactful move in June and July,” Pelinka told reporters after the Feb. 8 trade deadline.
According to an ESPN report on January 23, the Lakers have discussed internally the possibility of pursuing a true star, like the Cleveland forward. Donovan Mitchell or that of Atlanta Trae Young should they become available.
“Russell is their only significant contract that expires in 2025, and his removal would put them at a disadvantage in any trade discussions. As for alternatives, Austin Reaves has trade value, but Los Angeles would try to cobble together the rest of equal pay with less desirable deals like those for Gabe Vincent or Rui Hachimura,” Hollinger wrote.
What about a sign and trade?
According to Hollinger, the Lakers could sign and trade Russell, but there is a caveat.
“…the timing of free agency a week after this draft makes that difficult to coordinate while including a 2024 first-rounder. Re-signing him to a more expensive long-term deal is another option, but that endgame probably means coming back with the same team,” Hollinger wrote.
Russell’s resurgence has become one of the best redemption stories this season.
Since returning to the Lakers’ starting lineup after a brief stint on the bench, Russell is averaging 22.5 points, 6.4 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 26 games while shooting a remarkable 45, 7% in depth.
He proved his worth to the Lakers once again when he punctuated a season-high 44-point performance with the game-winning floater against the undefeated Milwaukee Bucks. LeBron James and a limp Anthony Davis on March 8.
Gabe Vincent injury update
Gabe Vincent, the Lakers’ top free agent acquisition, is set to return later this month.
Lakers coach Darvin Ham told reporters: by Dan Woike of the LA Timeson Tuesday, March 12, that the veteran point guard was cleared for non-contact work.
The 27-year-old point guard has appeared in five games for the Lakers this season so far, averaging 5.4 points, 3.0 assists and 1.2 steals. He signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Lakers last offseason.
Alder Almo is a basketball reporter who covers the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors for Heavy. He has over 15 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is originally from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. Learn more about Alder Almo
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